North East Wiltshire Scouts decided to do something a little different to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year by inventing a new orienteering style competition for teams of Cubs and Scouts.

More than 120 boys and girls aged eight to 14 from Aldbourne, Ramsbury, Burbage, Marlborough, Pewsey, Collingbourne and Tidworth converged on the George III Monument in Savernake Forest for a day of outdoor adventure on Saturday.

Teams visited three themed zones (physical, skills and teamwork) and navigated their way around to earn points at each base for attitude, effort, teamwork and achievement.

Supported by more than 40 volunteer adult leaders and eight Explorer Scouts (aged 14-18), the young people did themselves proud, said district spokeswoman Juliet Bonser, “with their positive attitude to fair competition whilst supporting each other to overcome personal challenges”.

The teams were given freedom to roam unescorted and be responsible for their own timings while being watched over from a distance. Mrs Bonser said: “They more than earned the trust we’d put in them. In true scouting spirit, everyone gave their best and was ready for the informal games, hearty BBQ and traditional campfire songs before the eagerly awaited presentations.”

Aldbourne lifted the Gold Rush Challenge Trophy in it’s inaugural Jubilee year.

“After a very successful day, there’s already talk of it becoming an annual event,” Mrs Bonser said.